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US11297064B2 - Blockchain authentication via hard/soft token verification - Google Patents
Blockchain authentication via hard/soft token verification Download PDF
US11297064B2
US11297064B2 US16/595,361 US201916595361A US11297064B2 US 11297064 B2 US11297064 B2 US 11297064B2 US 201916595361 A US201916595361 A US 201916595361A US 11297064 B2 US11297064 B2 US 11297064B2
Active, expires 2038-03-15
US16/595,361
US20200045051A1 (en
Luis Angel D. Bathen
Gabor Madl
Ramani Routray
International Business Machines Corp
2019-10-07 Application filed by International Business Machines Corp filed Critical International Business Machines Corp
2019-10-07 Priority to US16/595,361 priority Critical patent/US11297064B2/en
2019-10-07 Assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION reassignment INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ROUTRAY, RAMANI, BATHEN, LUIS ANGEL D., Madl, Gabor
2020-02-06 Publication of US20200045051A1 publication Critical patent/US20200045051A1/en
2022-04-05 Publication of US11297064B2 publication Critical patent/US11297064B2/en
2038-03-15 Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical
USPTO PatentCenter
USPTO Assignment
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H—ELECTRICITY
H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
H04L63/10—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for controlling access to network resources
H04L63/102—Entity profiles
H04L63/04—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks
H04L63/0428—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
H04L63/08—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for supporting authentication of entities communicating through a packet data network
H04L63/083—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for supporting authentication of entities communicating through a packet data network using passwords
H04L63/0838—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for supporting authentication of entities communicating through a packet data network using passwords using one-time-passwords
H04L63/0853—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for supporting authentication of entities communicating through a packet data network using an additional device, e.g. smartcard, SIM or a different communication terminal
H04L63/101—Access control lists [ACL]
H04L63/20—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for managing network security; network security policies in general
H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
H04L9/08—Key distribution or management, e.g. generation, sharing or updating, of cryptographic keys or passwords
H04L9/0861—Generation of secret information including derivation or calculation of cryptographic keys or passwords
H04L9/0866—Generation of secret information including derivation or calculation of cryptographic keys or passwords involving user or device identifiers, e.g. serial number, physical or biometrical information, DNA, hand-signature or measurable physical characteristics
H04L9/30—Public key, i.e. encryption algorithm being computationally infeasible to invert or user's encryption keys not requiring secrecy
H04L9/32—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
H04L9/3226—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials using a predetermined code, e.g. password, passphrase or PIN
H04L9/3231—Biological data, e.g. fingerprint, voice or retina
H04L9/3234—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials involving additional secure or trusted devices, e.g. TPM, smartcard, USB or software token
H04L9/3236—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials using cryptographic hash functions
H04L9/3239—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials using cryptographic hash functions involving non-keyed hash functions, e.g. modification detection codes [MDCs], MD5, SHA or RIPEMD
H04L9/3247—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials involving digital signatures
H04L9/3271—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials using challenge-response
H04L2209/38—
H04L2463/00—Additional details relating to network architectures or network communication protocols for network security covered by H04L63/00
H04L2463/082—Additional details relating to network architectures or network communication protocols for network security covered by H04L63/00 applying multi-factor authentication
H04L9/50—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using hash chains, e.g. blockchains or hash trees
An example operation may include one or more of storing a public key and one or more corresponding addresses associated with a user profile in a blockchain, creating a credential for the user profile based on the public key, forwarding the credential to the one or more addresses, receiving a request for access to a site from a user device associated with the user profile, and retrieving the credential based on the one or more addresses from the blockchain.
This application generally relates to the management of authorization access, and more particularly, to blockchain authentication via hard/soft token verification.
A blockchain is a type of computing architecture that enables a peer-to-peer distributed (shared and replicated) database or ledger, not controlled by a single organization or entity, but many different ones. Spanning across a network of independent machines, the configuration permits the nodes to reliably track and maintain the state of information in a system. In doing so, a blockchain enables the cost-efficient creation of business networks without requiring a central point of control. This configuration operates in contrast to traditional database-oriented systems, where independent parties maintain their own systems of record and reconcile updates with one another in inefficient and sometimes complex inter-organizational processes, which requires the services of an independent, trusted third-party administrator.
Two-factor authentication is the de-facto type of authentication approved by most major government agencies, such as the Department of Defense (DoD). Two-factor authentication is performed via the use of common access cards (CACs), and/or hardware dongles, such as security identification key 'fobs'. CACs rely on a centralized server that is used to validate the ID/EDIPI number present in the card. Hardware tokens do not need to communicate with a backend server as they have the necessary components needed to generate one time codes (e.g., one time passwords) to access a system. Such tokens need to be verified as the backend system will need to verify that the token provided by the user matches.
Two-factor authentication is a well-known type of security procedure applied to various computing systems and networks. Social media sites and e-mail providers use mobile devices as a second form of authentication (e.g., password+access code, which is sent to a mobile phone). The DoD has specified that all DoD networks must be CAC protected. In order to use CACs, systems need to support DoD PKIs, which are a set of roles, policies, and procedures needed to create, manage, distribute, use, store, and revoke digital certificates and manage public-key encryption. PKIs work under the assumptions that systems are within DoD networks. This becomes a challenge when trying to authenticate users without access to the DoD network (e.g., tactical environments). The DoD/DoJ are able to cross-authenticate users via CAC cards and their respective PKIs by using a bridge. Deploying such an infrastructure can be complicated. Hardware tokens are often more trusted than mobile devices given that most of them are tamper proof, however, managing those devices is another challenge.
In a conventional authentication mechanism, an authentication process may use either a CAC card or a hardware token. This approach would permit a user inside the private network to authenticate using a CAC card since that internal user is within the network. A user outside the private network may have a valid CAC, and may attempt to register with a third party site, affiliated with the private network, however, since the external user is not within the private network, the request will be rejected and the external user will be denied access to the private network.
One example embodiment may include a method that provides one or more of storing a public key and a corresponding address associated with a user profile in a blockchain, creating a set of credentials for the user profile based on the public keys, forwarding the credentials to the one or more addresses, receiving a request for access to a site from a user device associated with the user profile, and retrieving the credential based on the one or more addresses from the blockchain. The process may be randomized to improve security, and the policy by which factors are requested can be defined by the systems administrators.
Another example embodiment may include an apparatus including a processor configured to perform one or more of store a public key and one or more corresponding addresses associated with a user profile in a blockchain, create a credential for the user profile based on the public key, forward the credential to the one or more addresses, a receiver configured to receive a request for access to a site from a user device associated with the user profile, and the processor is further configured to retrieve the credential based on the one or more addresses from the blockchain.
Yet another example embodiment may include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform one or more of storing a public key and a corresponding address associated with a user profile in a blockchain, creating a set of credentials for the user profile based on the public keys, forwarding the credentials to the one or more addresses, receiving a request for access to a site from a user device associated with the user profile, and retrieving the credential based on the one or more addresses from the blockchain. The process may be randomized to improve security, and the policy by which factors are requested can be defined by the systems administrators.
FIG. 1A illustrates a key generation procedure which utilizes a blockchain according to example embodiments.
FIG. 1B illustrates a public address authentication scheme which utilizes a blockchain system configuration according to example embodiments.
FIG. 2 illustrates a blockchain architecture configuration according to example embodiments.
FIG. 3 illustrates a system messaging diagram of the interactions between user devices, security entities and the blockchain according to example embodiments.
FIG. 4A illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of managing authentication in the blockchain, according to example embodiments.
FIG. 4B illustrates another flow diagram of an example method of managing authentication in the blockchain, according to example embodiments.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example network entity configured to support one or more of the example embodiments.
It will be readily understood that the instant components, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of at least one of a method, apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium and system, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments.
The instant features, structures, or characteristics as described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases "example embodiments", "some embodiments", or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "example embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
In addition, while the term "message" may have been used in the description of embodiments, the application may be applied to many types of network data, such as, packet, frame, datagram, etc. The term "message" also includes packet, frame, datagram, and any equivalents thereof. Furthermore, while certain types of messages and signaling may be depicted in exemplary embodiments they are not limited to a certain type of message, and the application is not limited to a certain type of signaling.
The instant application in one embodiment relates to the management of authorization access and in another embodiment relates to managing access to data by authorized parties based on a decentralized multi-factor authentication process including software and hardware token verification for a blockchain authentication performed via hard/soft token verification.
Example embodiments provide using a blockchain to support decentralized multi-factor authentication to validate passwords, support CAC systems, hardware tokens, and/or usage of biometrics via the issuance of soft tokens. Using blockchain technology to provide multi-factor authentication provides support for a validation protocol, which permits a decentralized verification authority. This approach supports high-availability, high fault tolerance, high-redundancy, etc., so the infrastructure can withstand cyber-attacks.
The issuance of software tokens provides a way to prove ownership of private information via blockchain technology. This approach permits verification tokens to be issued across different organizations/blockchains and supports tactical cloud access control deployments that will operate in a decentralized configuration. Other features include blockchain address and key derivation from passwords, EPIDs, hardware token codes, biometrics, and/or other types of authentication, via proof-of-ownership of private data via public keys in a blockchain.
According to example embodiments, software token verification is used in combination with hardware tokens using blockchain as a distribution infrastructure. The approach permits issuance of token/access controls via a blockchain, while permitting the authentication of users across different organizations without the need to access the back-end DoD PKI (e.g., private PKI systems). This is performed by extending the basic logic in a CAC card to provide a blockchain address/public key that is then pushed to the blockchain, which is used to verify the user of the card, as well as validate a signature. Similarly, each user will have a dedicated set of addresses where software tokens that are generated at the same rate as their hardware tokens are generated. The software tokens are sent to the address to prove ownership of the token. Each token is in the form of an access control rule needed by services to authenticate the user. By validating hardware token codes using the data in the blockchain, there is no need for a centralized backend server to manage the authentication process. The validation offered by the blockchain approach provides support for validation of biometrics information without a central authority, validation of CAC cards without a central authority, verification of hardware tokens, and/or issuance of private network access control lists (ACLs) in a public network. One approach is the use of any random 'N' number of authentication factors out of 'M' total authentication factors. For example, consider a system, where authentication factors include password, PIN, picture password, fingerprint, and CAC, which is a total of 5 factors in this example. This configuration would enable the registration of all 5 factors by registering the public keys associated with the factors with the blockchain verification service. Upon the need to authenticate a user, the authentication service will challenge users by requiring answers to n-of-m authentication factors (n-factors). For instance, given the 5 factors above, the system will require 3-of-5 factors to authenticate. This permits users to add/remove authentication factors on demand, in case a factor is lost or compromised.
FIG. 1A illustrates a key generation procedure which utilizes a blockchain according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1A, the configuration 100 includes more than one option for authentication, including CAC 112, biometrics 114 and/or a hardware (HW) token 116. The key generation may be from any of those sources. A key may include a secret key, SK1, a public key PK1 and a blockchain address A1, where the information is stored. In this n-factor authentication scheme 100, a public/private key pair is generated (SK, PK) for each of the private data items which are used. For instance, the EPID, a hardware token code, or some bioinformation data may be part of the encryption process. According to one example, any combination of 'n' operations may be used. For instance, in order to enable a multi-factor authentication provider, a password would need to be owned and used as a 'seed' to generate a public/private key pair. Next, the public key would be published and used to authenticate. Also, a blockchain address would be derived from the public key, which would permit anyone to send an ACL/software token, which may be used to register their device, via the established addresses, with a centralized authority (e.g., a corporate PKI 120), which will then generate an ACL or an access token and send it to a particular address 130 in the blockchain 140. Access controls could be static, or dynamic, enforced through the use of smart contracts/chaincode. For instance, instead of an ACL, a smart contract hash would be sent along with the necessary parameters needed to execute the smart contract in the blockchain fabric.
FIG. 1B illustrates a public address authentication scheme which utilizes a blockchain system configuration according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1B, the configuration 150 provides for using a public address in the blockchain to authenticate a user device. At any given time, if user 'A' 152 wants to authenticate and access a network system, once the user has registered his/her public keys/addresses and they have been published in the blockchain 140, the ACLs are also generated and sent to user A's addresses in the blockchain. In the case of the hardware token, these ACLs will be issued according to a required time window, and since the token code is used to derive user A's next address, there is no need to register it with the system, as traditional infrastructures permit for hardware tokens to stay in synchronization with their home servers.
The authentication operations may provide user A 152 submitting a request 172 from a mobile device or other computing device in an attempt to access a site 170. The request may include various addresses associated with the device, such as A1, A2, and Ai, where 'i' is the current iteration of the hardware token. The website 170 will then request this data from the blockchain 140. The website will send a challenge to the user device with a nonce 174 and will select one of n random means of authentication. For instance, if PK1 is selected, which belongs to the CAC card of the user device, the device will receive the cyphertext and decrypt it with a private key (SK1). The process requires that the user A 150 enter a PIN or other secret word or phrase and then the SK is derived from that EPID, or it is already stored within the CAC card of the user device 150. The card then uses the SK to decrypt 176 the cyphertext and receive back a nonce2. The site 170 will verify that nonce1==nonce2 182. Next, if the above check passed, the next operation is to verify the ACL owned by user A. If the ACL is valid 184 (e.g., user A has the right privileges), then access is granted 186, otherwise, the user A authorization is rejected. A similar approach is used for biometric data and the hardware token. One difference is that the biometric data will require user A to provide biometrics, from which a keypair is generated on the fly. The biometrics logic will then use this to sign/encrypt/decrypt data. In the case of biometrics, we can have two embodiments. One is the use of a random public/private key pair, which is unlocked by using biometrics to authenticate with a trusted device (e.g., enrollment/authentication within a mobile device). A second embodiment would be the use of biometric signal extraction (e.g., template extraction) as well as quantization in order to generate a seed, which, when combined with a random salt, can then be used to derive a public/private key pair. The scheme could go beyond authentication as messages could be signed and provide non-repudiation.
FIG. 2 illustrates a blockchain system configuration according to example embodiments. The blockchain system 200 may include certain common blockchain elements, such as a group 280 of assigned blockchain peer nodes 282-285 which participate in the blockchain transaction addition and validation process (consensus) and/or may have access to the blockchain. Any of the blockchain peer nodes 280 may initiate new transactions and seek to write to the blockchain immutable ledger 272, a copy of which is stored on the underpinning physical infrastructure 271. In this configuration, the customized blockchain configuration may include one or applications 277 which are linked to APIs 276 to access and execute stored program/application code (e.g., chain code and/or smart contracts) 275, which are created according to the customized configuration sought by the participants and can maintain their own state, control owned assets, and receive external information. This code can be deployed as a transaction and installed, via appending to the distributed ledger, on all blockchain peer nodes.
The blockchain base 270 includes the various layers of blockchain data, services (e.g., cryptographic trust services, virtual execution environment), and underpinning physical computer infrastructure necessary to receive and store new transactions and provide access to auditors which are seeking to access data entries. The blockchain layer 272 exposes an interface that provides access to the virtual execution environment necessary to process the program code and engage the physical platform 271. Cryptographic trust services 273 are used to verify transactions and keep information private. According to example embodiments, the blockchain ledger may store address information and other data, such as tokens 278 for various user devices. Those tokens and other authentication data may be used to authenticate those devices when they seek to access a third party secure site. The blockchain configuration of FIG. 2 may process and execute program/application code 175 by the interfaces exposed, and the services provided, by blockchain platform 270. The code may control blockchain assets, for example, it can store and transfer data, and may be executed by the blockchain in the form of a smart contract, which includes chain code with conditions or other code elements subject to its execution.
FIG. 3 illustrates a system messaging diagram 300 of the interactions between a number of components or modules which may include software, hardware or a combination of both. The components may include a first component, such as user devices, a second component, such as PKI and a third component, such as a blockchain, according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 3, a user device 310 may be seeking access to various user profile information stored in the blockchain 330. In order to receive access, a process may include creating keys and unique addresses to store the keys 312. The public key 313 may be stored based on a key made via the PKI 320 and stored 314 in a blockchain 330. The user device may be registered 316 and as subsequent access attempts are made 318, the stored credential may be retrieved from the blockchain 322 and forwarded as an encrypted message 324. A decrypted message response 326 may indicate the proper credentials which can be verified 328 so access can be provided 332.
In one embodiment, the first component, the second component and the third component may be separate devices such as servers, computers or other computational devices or may be a single device. In other embodiments, the first component and the second component may be enclosed as, or perform as, a single device, the first component and the third component may be enclosed as, or perform as, a single device, and the second component and the third component may be enclosed as, or perform as, a single device. The components or devices 310, 320 and 330 may be directly connected or communicably coupled to one another, in a wired or wireless manner, and may reside locally and/or remotely.
FIG. 4A illustrates a flow diagram 400 of an example method of managing authentication in the blockchain, according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 4A, the method may include storing a public key and one or corresponding addresses associated with a user profile in a blockchain 412, creating a credential for the user profile based on the public key 414, forwarding the credential to the one or more addresses 416, receiving a request for access to a site from a user device associated with the user profile 418, and retrieving the credential based on the one or more addresses from the blockchain 420.
The credential is an access control list (ACL). The credential is created within a limited time window. The one or more addresses include a plurality of address locations corresponding to a plurality of credentials over a plurality of access attempt iterations. The request includes the plurality of addresses locations. Also, the method may also include responsive to receiving the request, transmitting an encrypted message to the user device, and receiving a decrypted message based on the encrypted message. The method may also include comparing decrypted message content of the decrypted message to encrypted message content of the encrypted, and when the decrypted message content matches the encrypted message content, then verifying the credential is valid, and if so, granting access to the user device.
FIG. 4B illustrates another flow diagram 450 of an example method of managing authentication in the blockchain, according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 4B, the method may include storing a public key and one or corresponding addresses associated with a user profile in a blockchain 452, receiving a biometric data sample associated with the user profile 454, extracting one or more biometric elements from the biometric data sample 456, creating a credential for the user profile based on the public key and the one or more biometric elements 458, storing the credential in the blockchain 462, receiving a request for access to a site from a user device associated with the user profile 464, retrieving the credential from the blockchain 466, and authorizing the request for access to the site 468.
The enrollment process begins with the generation of a public/private key pair, comprising a public key and a private key. In effect, an asymmetrical encryption system is created, wherein the public key is intended to be generally known and or available to persons other than the contributor, while the private key is intended to be kept private and known only to the contributor. The private key, after being used in the enrollment process to create an identifier should be either stored in a secure storage device, destroyed, or otherwise kept secret. The public/private key pair is used to amend and encrypt a transaction request. The transaction request may be a transaction message or other encrypted entry in a transaction ledger. Next, a biometric sample is received and along with a PIN or password or some other type of securing data. A biometric extraction may be used to derive biometric features from the biometric sample. The biometric elements, the private key and optionally other data is used to combine the inputs and output an embed function which is then transformed through a cryptographic one-way function which outputs a combined identifier which cannot be readily recreated by outside parties.
The above embodiments may be implemented in hardware, in a computer program executed by a processor, in firmware, or in a combination of the above. A computer program may be embodied on a computer readable medium, such as a storage medium. For example, a computer program may reside in random access memory ("RAM"), flash memory, read-only memory ("ROM"), erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disk read-only memory ("CD-ROM"), or any other form of storage medium known in the art.
An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor may read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates an example network element 500, which may represent or be integrated in any of the above-described components, etc.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, a memory 510 and a processor 520 may be discrete components of a network entity 500 that are used to execute an application or set of operations as described herein. The application may be coded in software in a computer language understood by the processor 520, and stored in a computer readable medium, such as, a memory 510. The computer readable medium may be a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes tangible hardware components, such as memory, that can store software. Furthermore, a software module 530 may be another discrete entity that is part of the network entity 500, and which contains software instructions that may be executed by the processor 520 to effectuate one or more of the functions described herein. In addition to the above noted components of the network entity 500, the network entity 500 may also have a transmitter and receiver pair configured to receive and transmit communication signals (not shown).
Although an exemplary embodiment of at least one of a system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium has been illustrated in the accompanied drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions as set forth and defined by the following claims. For example, the capabilities of the system of the various figures can be performed by one or more of the modules or components described herein or in a distributed architecture and may include a transmitter, receiver or pair of both. For example, all or part of the functionality performed by the individual modules, may be performed by one or more of these modules. Further, the functionality described herein may be performed at various times and in relation to various events, internal or external to the modules or components. Also, the information sent between various modules can be sent between the modules via at least one of: a data network, the Internet, a voice network, an Internet Protocol network, a wireless device, a wired device and/or via plurality of protocols. Also, the messages sent or received by any of the modules may be sent or received directly and/or via one or more of the other modules.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that a "system" could be embodied as a personal computer, a server, a console, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone, a tablet computing device, a smartphone or any other suitable computing device, or combination of devices. Presenting the above-described functions as being performed by a "system" is not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but is intended to provide one example of many embodiments. Indeed, methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in localized and distributed forms consistent with computing technology.
It should be noted that some of the system features described in this specification have been presented as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, graphics processing units, or the like.
A module may also be at least partially implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified unit of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. Further, modules may be stored on a computer-readable medium, which may be, for instance, a hard disk drive, flash device, random access memory (RAM), tape, or any other such medium used to store data.
Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
It will be readily understood that the components of the application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the application.
One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations that are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the application has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent.
While preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and the scope of the application is to be defined solely by the appended claims when considered with a full range of equivalents and modifications (e.g., protocols, hardware devices, software platforms etc.) thereto.
What is claimed is:
1. A method, comprising:
creating a smart contract based credential for a user authentication factor associated with a public key stored at an address in a blockchain, the address associated with a user device; and
executing, in response to a request to access a site from the user device associated with the user authentication factor, a smart contract corresponding with the smart contract based credential to determine a type of access credential required for access to the site based on the address.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the executing a smart contract includes determining a subset of authentication factors.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
creating the smart contract based credential within a limited time window.
4. The method of claim 1, comprising:
storing one or more addresses associated with the user authentication factor, wherein the one or more addresses comprise a plurality of address locations corresponding to a plurality of smart contract based credentials over a plurality of access attempt iterations.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the request to access to a site comprises the plurality of addresses locations.
responsive to receiving the request, transmitting an encrypted message to the user device; and
receiving a decrypted message based on the encrypted message.
comparing decrypted message content of the decrypted message to encrypted message content of the encrypted message; and
verifying the smart contract based credential is valid based on the decrypted message content matching the encrypted message content, and if so, granting access to the user device.
8. An apparatus, comprising:
a hardware processor configured to:
create a smart contract based credential for a user authentication factor associated with a public key stored at an address in a blockchain, the address associated with a user device; and
execute, in response to a request to access a site from the user device associated with the user authentication factor, a smart contract corresponding with the smart contract based credential to determine a type of access credential required for access to the site based on the address.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, when the processor is configured to execute the smart contract, the processor is further configured to:
determine a subset of authentication factors.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, the processor is further configured to:
create the smart contract based credential within a limited time window.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to:
store one or more addresses associated with the user authentication factor, wherein the one or more addresses comprise a plurality of address locations corresponding to a plurality of smart contract based credentials over a plurality of access attempt iterations.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the request to access to a site comprises the plurality of addresses locations.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
responsive to the request being received, forward an encrypted message to the user device; and
receive a decrypted message based on the encrypted message.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to:
compare decrypted message content of the decrypted message to encrypted message content of the encrypted message; and
verify the smart contract based credential is valid based on the decrypted message content matching the encrypted message content.
15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store one or more instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform:
creating a smart contract based credential for a user authentication factor associated with a public key stored at an address in a blockchain; the address associated with a user device; and
16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the executing a smart contract includes determining a subset of authentication factors.
17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor to perform:
19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the request to access to a site comprises the plurality of addresses locations.
20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the one or more instructions further cause the processor perform:
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From Sunrise to Sunset on Lynchburg's Historic Main Street
By Laura Lee
Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg
For centuries, Main Street has played a pivotal role in downtown's commerce and community. The area got its start in 1757 when John Lynch established a ferry service on the nearby James River. By the American Revolution, Downtown Lynchburg had become an important village for trade.
Main Street today offers visitors to Lynchburg the best of both worlds: modern amenities with plenty of historic charm. Trendy boutiques, hip lofts, local cafes and a new craft brewery now occupy turn-of-the-century buildings, and historic, early 1900s landmarks—like the iconic Beaux Arts theater and the grand Virginian Hotel—have been meticulously restored to lend the city a strong sense of place.
Purchase freshly made bread, cakes, donuts, and buns at Fathers Bakery located inside the Community Market.
A Main Street anchor, the Lynchburg Community Market has been going strong since 1783. Ricky Kowalewski manages the sunny downtown market and loves that Main Street is one of the first experiences visitors have when they drive into town. "Main Street really is the hub of our downtown," he says. "There are so many great local businesses here."
Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee and a walk through the open-air market, bustling with shoppers Tuesday through Saturday until 2 p.m. Vendors feature specialties ranging from baked goods to fair-trade clothing, handmade jewelry and pottery. There's even a deli and seafood market located inside.
"It's a great place to buy a cool souvenir and get a taste of Lynchburg," says Kowalewski. "Saturday is the big day, where we have live music, and visitors get the chance to meet the makers and local farmers."
Shop for antiques, jewelry, clothing and handmade items at Lexie & Lee
After the market, head over to Lexie and Lee, a locally owned boutique that opened its Main Street doors in 2020. Here you'll find a wonderful collection of vintage goods, clothing and gifts, like the luxurious skin-care products made from the locally owned Little Flower Field.
Just down the street, the light-filled Galleria offers businesses, shops and restaurants— all highlighted by a three-story atrium that runs the length of the building. Be sure to stop in Heritage Connection for glassware, art, pillows, jewelry, ties or Georgia's who prepares gourmet subs and salads for the lunch crowd.
Get a fresh cut with a vintage feel at Gentleman John's Barber Shop
Even the guys will love shopping on Main Street, with stops like Pap's Cigar Co. and L. Oppleman, which happens to be one of America's oldest pawn shops. Though it just opened in 2019, Gentleman John's Classic Barber Shop takes you back in time, with barbers wearing classic white jackets and Big Band Swing playing overhead.
Grab a coffee to go or stay awhile and grab breakfast or lunch while enjoying the White Hart cozy coffee shop vibes.
"Main Street is such a fun place to visit because you can really spend the day here without ever getting in your car," says Danielle Wallace, who originally started Lexie and Lee with her mom. "You can grab a coffee at The White Hart Cafe, hit the market, eat lunch, look at art and do lots of shopping … there's such a diversity of things to do."
After shopping, take a break and drink in Virginia's burgeoning brewery scene at Starr Hill on Main. The second-oldest craft brewery in Virginia, Starr Hill has a great selection of seltzer and beer, including the specially made Main Street IPA.
Fuel up at Market at Main where you can indulge in southern fare brunch.
When you're ready for dinner, choose from a broad selection of Main Street restaurants that aim to please everyone in your party. Benny Scarpetta's offers pizza by the slice, Aji Ramen & Sushi dishes up fresh Asian fare, and Dish serves late-night small plates. Main Street Sports Bar & Grill not only makes your favorite game-day snacks but also offers delicious seafood and hibachi. For an extraordinary setting in a restored historic building, reserve a table at Market at Main and tuck in for Southern comfort food. For dessert, head to Rolled Cold Creamery with handcrafted treats almost too pretty to eat — almost!
The Academy Center of the Arts features art galleries, public art, educational art workshops and live performances.
Finish the day with a performance at the Academy Center of the Arts. The spectacular historic theater plays host to five resident companies, including the opera, chorus, symphony, ballet and theater, as well as brings in national acts and traveling Broadway shows.
"Even when there's not a show, our art galleries are open," says Geoffrey Kershner, the Center's executive director. "It's a great place to get a sense of what's going on in arts and culture in Lynchburg."
The Academy Center of the Arts, which originally opened in 1905, was later shuttered for 60 years. The building reopened in 2018 after a $30 million renovation. The jewel of downtown, the theater now offers state-of-the-art amenities with historic grandeur.
"Stepping inside is like stepping into a time capsule," says Kershner. "It's the past, but pristine."
Lynchburg Grand Hotel
Come celebrate the soul of the city on Lynchburg's Main Street. For Main Street accommodations, book your stay at the Lynchburg Grand Hotel.
Laura Lee is a Virginia-based freelance writer who loves to explore the state with her husband, two boys, and dog, Lillian.
Filed Under: Things to Do, Trip Ideas, Uncategorized
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text:
Q: Convolutional inverse of distribution (Van Dijk) I am going over the problems in van Dijk's distribution theory book and trying to find the (convolution) inverse of the following distributions:
$$S=\delta''+H,\quad T=He^x +\delta'$$
using Heaviside calculus but I'm not sure the solutions make sense. First (using Heaviside symbolic calculus)
$$S=H+\delta''=\frac{1}{\delta'}+\delta''=\frac{\delta'\delta''+1}{\delta'}=\frac{\delta'''+1}{\delta'}$$
so the inverse of $S$ is given by
$$\delta' (\delta'''+1)^{-1}=\delta' H Z$$
where $Z$ solves $(d^3+1)Z=0$
but this doesn't seem correct. For $T$ I get using $(He^x)^{-1}=\delta'-\delta$
$$T=He^x + \delta' = \frac{1}{\delta'-\delta}+\delta'=\frac{\delta''-\delta'}{\delta'-\delta}$$
and so $T^{-1}=(\delta'-\delta)(\delta''-\delta')^{-1}$
Solving the ODE $(d^2-d)Z=0$ with $Z(0)=0,Z'(0)=1$ I get the solution
$$(\delta''-\delta')^{-1} =H(e^x-1)=He^x-H$$
and so
$$T^{-1}=(\delta'-\delta)(e^x H-H)=H+e\delta-\delta'$$
which again, I'm not sure is correct!
Hints/references/Feedback appreciated.

A: Not sure what you mean with $Z$ solves $(d^3+1)Z=0$.
The Laplace transform of $\delta'''+\delta$ is $1+s^3$ and $\frac1{1+s^3} = \frac1{3\zeta_6^2}\frac{1}{s-\zeta_6}+\frac1{3\zeta_6^6}\frac{1}{s-\zeta_6^3}+\frac1{3\zeta_6^{10}}\frac{1}{s-\zeta_6^5}$ whose (causal) inverse Laplace transform is $U=\frac1{3\zeta_6^2} e^{\zeta_6 t}+\frac1{3\zeta_6^{6}} e^{\zeta_6^3 t}+\frac1{3\zeta_6^{10}} e^{\zeta_6^5 t})1_{t>0}$ which is the convolution inverse of $\delta'''+\delta= S'$ so the convolution inverse of $S$ is $U'$

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Home » Main Menu » News » BOBBY MAGUIRE SHARES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO MOVING TO THE CITY AHEAD OF DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM – OUT NOVEMBER 29
BOBBY MAGUIRE SHARES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO MOVING TO THE CITY AHEAD OF DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM – OUT NOVEMBER 29
Posted on November 13, 2019 in News // 0 Comments
Queensland-based singer songwriter Bobby Maguire has announced his new single Moving to the City, a sweet song written to inspire self-confidence in the young artist before a big life change. The song is also accompanied by a charming clip, and reflects a hilarious, whimsical journey from the country to the city. Moving to the City is the first taste of Bobby Maguire's debut self-titled album, set for release on November 29. To celebrate the release, Bobby will be playing a very special, intimate hometown album launch show at Elixir Bar in Cairns on November 29.
Moving to the City is a poppy, chirpy track, and it's pretty hard not to smile as the honest, uplifting lyrics play out. It's refreshing to allow this acoustic guitar-driven track to wash over and perhaps reminisce about moving from a childhood home to a college dorm or first sharehouse. It's sentimental, but fun, and exudes enthusiasm and anticipation, as Bobby explains, "Moving to the City was inspired by bands like The Cure and The Kooks, it deals with the loss of a past life as well as growth and a need to move forward with a new chapter. I wrote this song as a form of encouragement for myself to embrace this new journey."
BOBBY MAGUIRE ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
FRI 29 NOV | ELIXIR BAR, CAIRNS QLD | 18+ Tickets from https://www.trybooking.com/BGFNV
More info below.
Seeing Bobby is from Cairns, here is his Top 5 Cairns Artists
Eddie Skiba.
Eddie Skiba is a rock musician who has released his album 'Blend on the Border' in July 2019. His upbeat, keyboard heavy single 'Rattle the Cage' is an evocative floor-filler featuring an animated video clip which fleshes out some of the issues with out modern society. Whether playing solo or with the band Eddie's live show is engaging and sincere with his sharp songwriting clear in each detailed composition.
Leanne Tennant
If your are into bluesy folk with sultry vocals then Leanne Tennant is the artist for you. Leanne's latest single 'Bring It All Back' spans multiple genres with it's driving rhythm, bluesy guitar and hauntingly sweet vocals. Leanne is also winner of the 2017 Queensland Music Awards – Blues/Roots category and her 'Red Wine Late Nights' album is definitely a must-have.
Big Foot Mafia
With big beards, chunky blues-influenced riffs and catchy songs Cairns heavy rock band Big Foot Mafia explode onto the stage like pentatonic pirates. The lads put on an energy-filled live show and have recently supported Thirsty Merc after releasing their 'Let It Burn' album. My favourite tracks are rockers 'White Line Fever' as well as the unapologetic 'Let It Burn' check out Big Foot Mafia and make sure you turn it up!
Robert Cini
Solo indie/roots artist Robert Cini has recently released his debut album 'Imaginary Fun' melting hearts from the Far North to the America where his music has earned him a mention on the Billboard World Song Contest. Despite battling cancer and lifelong vision impairment Robert continues perform shows, earn music scholarships and release music at an impressive rate. Each tack is a carefully structured work showcasing his enchanting voice evident on songs like 'Different Road' and 'Growing Up' which evoke a Jason Miraz meets John Mayer vibe.
Talitha Jae
Talitha Jae is an acoustic singer/songwriter with a beautiful voice and a mission to use her musical talent to support various Mental Health Awareness charities. Her single 'I'm Right Here', which appears on the 'Sounds Good: Australia' compilation, is a gorgeous composition with selfless lyrics speaking of connection and being there as a shoulder to lean on for someone who needs help. Talitha has recently opened for Clare Bowdich as well as sparing her talents to sing harmonies on my album before preparing to record her debut E.P.
The clip for Moving to the City is delightful in its lofi nature, and a truly funny watch, particularly to anyone who has been a victim to the often-disastrous search for the right rental property. Entirely self-made, with the help of good friends and family, the clip has a lovable, quirky edge, and showcases a comedic side to this talented young artist. Speaking on the making of the clip, Bobby says, "The video clip is raw and fun, it doesn't take itself too seriously in order to reflect the sunny, lively feel of the song. It features me playing multiple characters and was shot with a minimal budget, and the aim of the clip is to connect with the audience on a down-to-earth level, so that they don't get lost in gloss and feel more connected to the song."
Bobby's debut self-titled album is a heartwarming, painstakingly curated collection of brilliant, sharp songwriting. Upbeat, yet emotive, listeners will be buoyed by the sweet lyricism in Black Dog and Get What You Take, and compelled to the dancefloor by tracks Ifs and Maybes and Outta My Head. Recorded with Cairns-based Kris Hutchinson, with a sound evocative of Thirsty Merc and Bernard Fanning, the album is a coming of age story, as Bobby describes, "The album follows my musical journey so far, beginning with uplifting tracks Moving to the City and Home which I began writing when I was fifteen. As the album progresses, a more punk rock feel emerges through songs Fight the Fear, Game and The Messenger which mirror battles with identity, dependence and anger. Introspection is also woven through the album with songs like Black Dog which speaks of mental health issues from a friend's perspective, as well as Get What You Take which is about accountability for your actions, as well as self acceptance and love." Sharing more insight into the recording process, he says, " Before production began I already had ten self produced demos with all the instruments and arrangements finalised. These complete demos helped me secure a Regional Arts Development Fund grant, which enabled me to begin recording with Kris Hutchinson. Kris had great advice, amazing patience and even played bass on a few tracks."
Bobby Maguire will be celebrating the release of his new single and debut album with an intimate show at Elixir Bar in his hometown of Cairns on November 29. Giving a taste of what to expect from the exclusive show, Bobby enthuses, "I'm pumped! It has been a long time coming and I can't wait to showcase these songs with my new band." As well as performing with the band, Bobby also plays solo acoustic shows featuring live guitar looping and re-compositions of his songs.
Moving to the City is out now, and the self-titled album is set for release on November 29.
BOBBY MAGUIRE
Elixir Bar
Moving to the City
Top 5 Cairns artists
SEARCH MUSIC INJECTION
Anson Seabra shares his new song 'Welcome to Wonderland' with us.
Full AO Live Stage line-up revealed as Australian Open excitement builds
Evie Irie drops new single called 'Bitter'.
Loser Company releases single 'Blueberry Skies'.
8 Graves release 'Bury Me Low'.
Anson Seabra releases new single 'Robyn Hood'.
MUSIC INJECTION
Submithub
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In conclusion, which contradicts the commonly accepted assumption in physics, researchers at the University of Michigan run an LED with inverse electrodes to cool another device only on nanometers.
The approach could lead to a new solid state cooling technology for future microprocessors that will have so many transistors packed in a little space that current methods can not remove heat quickly enough.
for using photon cooling devices, says Pramod Reddy, who manages the work with Edgar Meyhofer, the two professors in mechanical engineering.
The first, known in the field as laser cooling, is based on the founding work of Arthur Ashkin, who shares the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018.
Instead, the researchers used the chemical potential of heat radiation – a concept that is used more often to explain, for example, how a battery works. Suppose the chemical potential of the radiation is zero, Meihofer says. "But the theoretical work dating back to the 1980s suggests that under certain conditions this is not the case."
The chemical potential of the battery, for example, drives electrical current when placed in a device. Inside the battery, metal ions want to flow to the other side because they can get rid of some energy – chemical potential energy – and we use this energy as electricity. Electromagnetic radiation, including visible light and infrared heat radiation, usually has no such potential.
To get enough infrared light from an object in the LED, the two would have to be extremely close together – less than one wavelength of infrared light. This is necessary to take advantage of "close-range" or "short-range" effects that allow more infrared photons or light particles to pass from the object to be cooled in the LED.
The Reddy and Mehofer team had a foot up because they had already heated and cooled nano-sized devices, arranging them to be only a few dozen nanometers apart – or less than a thousandth of a hair. In this immediate vicinity, the photon that would not escape the object to be cooled may switch to the LED, almost as if the distance between them does not exist. And the team had access to an ultra-low vibration lab, where measurements of nanodimetric objects were made possible because the vibrations, like those from others in the building, were dramatically reduced.
The group proved the principle by building a miniature calorimeter, which is a device that measures energy changes and places it on a miniature LED with a size of rice grain. These two are constantly emitting and receiving thermal photons from one another and everywhere in their environment.
"Every object that is at room temperature emit light, and a night vision camera actually captures the infrared light coming from a warm body."
With the improvements in efficiency and cooling rate of this new approach, the team predicts this phenomenon as a way to quickly separate heat from a microprocessor in the devices. He may even oppose the abuses suffered by smartphones as nano-sized dividers could provide a separation between the microprocessor and the LED. entitled "Photon cooling in the near field by controlling the chemical potential of photons."


Our Events: TEDxLive — Everybody's Invited!
Seeing the TED Talks live as they happen is pretty difficult to do, since attending TED Conferences cost several thousands of dollars and requires an application. Fortunately, there's another, less exclusive way to see the talks as they happen—organizers licensed to run TEDx events (independently organized events held all over the world) can host a livestream of the TED Conference and open it to the public. We were fortunate enough to be asked to help organize a livestream party with the TEDxConcordiaUPortland team.
The event was held on Concordia University's campus and allowed nearly 200 students and community members to be amongst the first to see this year's crop of awesome TED speakers. The event has a somewhat challenging structure, as it runs from 8:30 in the morning to 7 in the evening, has several long breaks, and allows people to drop in as they like. To keep people engaged during the breaks, we offered a selection of board games, kept the food buffet stocked with different items throughout the day, featured a Retro Candy Bar, and had a photo booth where attendees could share their ideas as they related to the TED themes of the day.
The donuts that kept people coming back for more, from Tonnali's.
The candy is ready for its closeup.
What goes better with retro candy than a tub full of icy Capri Suns!
Thanks very much to the faculty, students, and community members of the TEDxConcordiaUPortland planning team for inviting us to be a part of the livestream event. It was a blast!
By the way, while it's too late to get tickets to this year'sTEDxConcordiaUPortland event on March 23rd, you might want to follow them on Facebook to get updates about next year's event. It's sure to be amazing!


The Max IV Laboratory is now constructing the next generation synchrotron source – the MAX IV – which will produce the brightest (synchrotron) light source in the world.
When electrons travel around a near-circular tube at near-light speed they produce X-ray light. At the new research facility – MAX IV Laboratory – they will do so in a unique way thanks to MAX IV's innovative and pioneering magnet technology.
This light will help scientists understand materials in much finer detail, helping them solve some of the grand challenges of our times – from cancer research to novel energy materials.
The MAX IV Laboratory, a materials and life science research centre hosted by Lund University has been operating three synchrotron rings as MAX-Lab for almost 25 years. Each year, scientists from all over the world come to the laboratory to conduct research across a wide range of scientific disciplines – from basic physics to materials science, medicine, chemistry, biology, geology and advanced physics.
The new next generation synchrotron source MAX IV was inaugurated in June 2016 and is the brightest (synchrotron) light source in the world. Synchrotron facilities are essentially like normal microscopes but with much better resolution – hence a kind of super-microscope.
The life science industry forms the largest group of users from the private sector at the laboratory today. These companies, from pharmaceutica to biotechnology, typically require "the ability to study tiny molecules and crystals," explains Dr Katarina Norén, group manager of the Hard X-ray Division at the MAX IV Laboratory.
The leading Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, has used MAX-lab to investigate particular chemicals involved in the production of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Using the advanced instruments they were able to study the molecular structure of a protein used in a product that could stimulate insulin secretion. The findings are key to better treatment of diabetes. Astra Zeneca, a Swedish-British biopharmaceutical company, has also been a frequent user of the research facility.
But synchrotron light does not only resolve the intricate structure of materials. Having access to specialised instruments also helps companies streamline their production processes. The biotech company Spago Nanomedical created a contrast agent for more efficient MRI examinations. It was able to verify the composition and structure of the substance used in the agent using X-rays, and thereby save time and resources in its product development process.
MAX IV will take science to a whole new level on an international scale. The brilliance of the X-ray beams, in addition to their unique coherence, will open up new types of experiments that could not be realised anywhere else.
Illustration of the future research centre European Spallation Source.
"Researchers will be able to do more sophisticated experiments. Having a state-of-the-art facility, we expect to attract a higher percentage of international users, create an influx of international scientists, who, in turn, could create collaborations, hopefully, with our Swedish scientists, and raise the level of science as a whole," predicts Dr Andreas Lassesson of the MAX IV Laboratory.
There will be a lot more development springing up in the vicinity of MAX IV in coming years. The new European Spallation Source (ESS) research centre just beside MAX IV is also an accelerator-based research centre, but one that produces neutron beams or 'light'. The ESS will also be a vital component of "the eco-system of research and development that Dr Lassesson describes as being present in the region. "The ESS will provide similar but complementary services and opportunities," adds Dr Andreas Lassesson.
Illustration of the research centre European Spallation Source that will be built next to MAX IV.
"The MAX IV Laboratory forms part of a regional hub that will continue to add significant scientific and innovation capacity, both in terms of the researchers it attracts, the scientific instruments at their disposal, and the discoveries yet to be made. The MAX IV facility, with its Formula 1-like magnet technology, is already the envy of the global synchrotron community and has not only put Skåne on the map, but actually in the driver's seat," says Dr Axel Steuwer, former ILO of the MAX IV Laboratory.
Invest in Skåne is a partner in the Science Link project that offers companies the opportunity to perform an experiment at a synchrotron or neutron research facility free-of-charge.


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North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Armin Laschet (CDU) has called on the occupiers of the hambach forest to clear the area. "Illegal occupation is not acceptable", said Laschet.
There will be procedures this year because of the ongoing court-clearings in the hambach forest. There is no immediate danger for the forest was so"". "It would be desirable, that all leave the forest." Direct talks with the forest occupants from the castle Laschet. "It is not the practice of the government to speak with law breakers," he said.
The coal Commission had referred in its recommendations the preservation of the hambach forest as "desirable". The forest at the open pit mine of Hambach has become, after years of protests, the Symbol of the Anti-coal movement. RWE wants to leave him for the brown coal mining roden, a court had stopped for the time being.


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Food Additives News and Research
Synthetic food additive causes detrimental effects on the gut microbiota
New clinical research indicates that a widely used food additive, carboxymethylcellulose, alters the intestinal environment of healthy persons, perturbing levels of beneficial bacteria and nutrients.
Study shows how to unlock CRISPR's potential to regulate many genes simultaneously
A new technique to regulate several genes in engineered yeast cells could pave the way for the highly efficient, sustainable production of bio-based products.
World Food Safety Day 2021: An Interview with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
To celebrate World Food Safety Day, AZoLifeSciences interviewed Dr. Markus Lipp from the FAO about the importance of food safety in 2021.
Food dyes may cause disease when the immune system is dysregulated
Artificial food colorants can cause disease when the immune system has become dysregulated, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai researchers report.
"Food inks" could help preserve nutrition and flavor of fresh, frozen vegetables
Scientists have created a novel method in which fresh and frozen vegetables are used to produce "food inks."
New interactive tool finds toxins lurking in drinking water
Exposure to hydraulic fracturing fluid in drinking water has been shown to increase the risk of respiratory problems, premature births, congenital heart defects, and other medical problems.
Food additives prove to be efficient at controlling bacteria on tomatoes preharvest
When vegetable farmers harvest crops, they often rely on postharvest washing to reduce any foodborne pathogens, but a new University of Georgia study shows promise in reducing these pathogens - as well as lowering labor costs-- by applying sanitizers to produce while it is still in the fields.
UVA scientists shed light on how plants create cellulose for strength and growth
New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals how plants create the load-bearing structures that let them grow – much like how building crews frame a house.
Study reveals mechanism by which propionic acid induces brain disorders
Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI, headed by Suh Pann-ghill) announced on the 11th that the research team led by Dr. Mun Ji-young revealed the mechanism of autism induced by an imbalance of human gut microorganisms.
Scientists Revealed Usefulness Of Culinary Herbs
A group of scientists has developed a fast and cost-effective method of detecting and identifying bioactive compounds in samples such as plant extracts.
Study finds how sweet taste perception is fine-tuned in response to different diets
At the University of Sydney, researchers have identified the fundamental science behind the fine-tuning of sweet taste perception in response to different diets.


Mayor Carlo DeMaria's third term is beginning with a lot of good will he has acquired over time.
The mayor has kept the city's politics quiet and he has been reasonable and the city has weathered the economic downturn better than many others in this state.
He needs to do one thing and one thing alone to have nearly everyone in this city saying he's the best mayor to come down the line in years.
He needs to lower the commercial tax rate and to lower it substantially.
If we were the mayor, we'd call to mind the best money minds in the city and we'd also pick the brains of state banking and tax officials to determine a way to lower the commercial real estate tax.
Without such a lowering, and soon, the city faces an economic dead end of sorts.
Such a high tax will ultimately cause business to flee this city instead of to locate here.
Mayor DeMaria should give this a try.
He has everything to gain and nothing whatsoever to lose by doing so.


Consider the humble match. For generations, people have been burning their fingers as they took longer than expected to light their log fire or their birthday candles.
Today's invention helps avoid these injuries.
The sleeve of the matchbox would have a thin coat of silver foil on one side (grey). There would be a cut-out indicating a safe place to grip the cardboard of the device (pale blue).
Inserting a match through the holes shown allows the match to be struck on a rough surface, and held whilst burning for longer, but with no subsequent danger to the fingers.


JCPL provides free delivery of books, movies, music, and magazines for individuals who are unable to access the library due to a medical condition. Participants can have items delivered through the mail as needed, or have a volunteer deliver items once per month.
To sign up or to receive more information, please call 303-275-6173, email homeservices@jeffcolibrary.org, or fill out this form.
JCPL offers support to facilities serving individuals who have barriers accessing physical library spaces.
To receive more information, please call 303-275-6173.


So a crazed gunman opens fire, wounding five at a Las Vegas casino last night.
One patron was "surprised" that the casino never shut down. "They locked down the tables, but they let people still keep playing the slots," he said.
It's after midnight, you're tired, you've been losing money all day, and you've just survived an attempted Virginia Tech-style massacre.
How addicted to gambling do you have to be to keep playing?
And how addicted to money does the "New York New York" have to be to stay open under those circumstances?


1.7 How Does Platinum Investing Differ From Other Metals?
1.9 How Do You Choose A Precious Metals Advisor?
Platinum is one of the rarest and most used precious metals on earth. Along with other "sister" metals like palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium, these extremely rare metals often appear naturally together. Called the "platinum group" metals, the others are byproducts of platinum mining, and were only discovered as standalone products in the 1800's as refining technologies improved. Prior to that time, platinum products were often an alloy of a few of these metals. Roughly 80% of annual global production of platinum comes from South Africa. The remainder is primarily produced in Russia, and global demand remains high for the vital and highly precious metal.
Platinum is 14 times more rare than gold and appears at much deeper depths in the earth's crust. Platinum also has far more industrial uses today than the more popular investment options like gold and silver. While 30% of global production is still directed towards the jewelry industry, over 50% of platinum mined each year is used in catalytic converters within the exhaust system in cars. The small remainder is divided between the investment and medical industries.
Beginning in the 1700's as research and technology improved, British scientist Charles Wood began studying possible commercial and manufacturing uses. Even today, platinum's unique properties continue to offer surprising benefits in the automotive and medical industries, along with it's continued use in jewelry.
In the 1800's, a method of extracting pure platinum from its sister metals was developed. The "metal that would not melt" remained as such, and platinum was extracted using an acidic fluid. However, the byproducts removed during the process, like palladium and rhodium were not separated and refined into usable products until later, when refining methods were created that could reach the temperatures necessary.
The unique properties of platinum help clean exhaust before it is expelled from a vehicle. With modern environmental laws, any engine which requires a catalytic converter, requires platinum. As those laws expand, so should the need for platinum-group metals. Aside from jewelry, the remaining 10 to 15% of production is primarily used in investment-grade products like bars and coins, and various medical applications including the fight against cancer.
Over 50% of cancer patients today are treated using methods requiring platinum. Due to its resistance to tarnish and corrosion, platinum offers an exceptional delivery system for many cancer treatments. Additional research has also shown platinum to have anti-neoplastic properties, meaning it prohibits the development of tumors. Platinum not only serves a vital purpose in the delivery method of cancer-fighting drugs, but is now contained within the drugs themselves. Platinum remains at the forefront of medical innovation, as these same properties that allow it to interact safely with the human body also make it a high candidate for any new bio or nano technologies in the future.
Palladium was not discovered until the 1800's, when new technologies were created allowing for much higher temperatures to be achieved during smelting processes. The extremely valuable byproducts of platinum extraction could be separated and all the platinum-group metals were now able to be extracted themselves. Palladium, along with the other platinum-group metals share many of the same properties and similar industrial uses. Along with South Africa, much of the world's annual production comes from Russia.
Palladium is the only "sister" metal to platinum also used to produce pure coins and bars available to private investors. Historically, platinum has averaged a cost twice that of palladium, but the pricing has varied dramatically between the two, offering a unique opportunity to investors in the know.
More than gold or silver, platinum serves a necessary role in modern industry and transportation. Over 90% of all platinum used in the United States is imported. Platinum remains a key industrial metal for the automotive and medical industry, and with increased environmental concerns and dramatic leaps in the fight against cancer, platinum usage should increase in the coming years.
At 14 times the rarity of gold, and mining production almost entirely exclusive to two countries, platinum remains one of the most vital and rare metals on earth and availability is limited.
Many investors look to gold, silver, and platinum as a hedge against inflation, government intervention, currency devaluation and political or economic crisis. Platinum maintains these same benefits as gold and other precious metals. Additionally, the relationship between platinum and palladium offers a unique opportunity for investment growth, due to the necessary industrial role platinum plays in our economy today, as well as the changing price ratio between platinum and other metals.
Like gold and silver, platinum and palladium can be acquired as coins and bars. Both metals can be delivered to your home, stored privately in a professional facility in the US or abroad, or placed within your IRA.
How Does Platinum Investing Differ From Other Metals?
Many clients own a mix of gold and silver. While the percentages of a balanced metals portfolio may change, it is rare that a portfolio would be exclusively invested in one or the other. Some may hold large gold positions and a small amount of silver, others the opposite, but few limit their metals portfolio to one or the other. The investment strategy for platinum and palladium is quite different. It is rare you would ever want to own both at the same time. Due to changing market conditions and relative pricing, the strategy employed with platinum and palladium leans towards owning one or the other, and exchanging one for the other at key times.
As market conditions change, the relative price between platinum and palladium, meaning how many ounces of one it takes to purchase an ounce of the other, varies dramatically. Over the last 20 years platinum has been as much as 6 times the price of palladium, and as little as 10% less. These substantial discrepancies in price offer a unique investment opportunity. Our knowledgeable advisors will work with you to position a portion of your metals portfolio into the appropriate metal at the right time, and recommend when to swap one for the other, dramatically increasing your total ounces owned at no additional cost.